I was looking into the beta
reader hashtag on Twitter one day when I came across Zoe’s request for someone
to read her book before it gets released on the 19th June. As an
avid reader I couldn’t help but jump at the chance to beta read for her up-and-coming romantic comedy novel which sounded just up my street. After a few emails I was set to go with a copy of the book in my
inbox and a cup of tea in my hand.
Written in first person from the
view of Bailey, a struggling actress working in a restaurant and sharing a
flat with a student, I was hooked from page one. There are funny and relatable
moments and also shocking page turner moments where you are left screaming at
the characters to open their eyes and just fall in love. This is definitely a
book for the 18-30 age group where everyone can relate to something and have
an easy read of the hardships of romance, working life and actually trying to
have a life all at the same time.
Bailey struggles with the notion that she may not make it as a successful actress and may have to work in the diner for the rest of her life. Her best friend Mark is also her manager and he tries his best to find her the perfect roles that will keep her hopes up. As the story progresses readers are introduced to Bailey's family and friends and their opinions of how she lives her life; things soon start to look up for Bailey when she lands an under-study part in a play. She hates being around her cheating ex-boyfriend who is somehow trying to get back into her life and she wants a relationship with someone she can trust but believes she just hasn't found him yet. Think He's Just Not That Into You meets Made of Honour meets The Ugly Truth and you get the idea of where this story is going.
I presumed at first this book was
going to be for a younger audience but soon realised it fell right in with the
readers of Sophie Kinsella and Jodi Picoult – this book is definitely for the
romantic girl in all of us that is wanting to get hooked by a gritty storyline
and a deep romance that we all wish would happen but realise it actually might not. The
characters are believable and as a beta reader I had practically no criticism
to give to Zoe.
As her first novel Zoe has really
captured the life of a fast paced single girl who wants more. This is a book
you can read all year round – on the beach, by the fire at Christmas or maybe
on the bus as a distraction from your own fast paced hardworking life.
Until It Doesn't is currently available
to pre-order from Amazon as an e-Book for £1.99 but if you prefer the actual thing then paperback copies will be available to order from the release date.
Zoe is currently living in
California and writing a second novel with a young adult fantasy theme after
finding her love for all things romantic and dark. I would definitely recommend
her first book to anyone looking for a new author to get attached to or a group
of characters to fall in love with. If you want to keep up to date with all of the latest news from Zoe then follow her on Twitter or Facebook.
Let me know if you have ever been
a beta reader or what books you have waiting on your bookshelf to get lost in! xx
Until It Doesn't will be released on June 19th 2015. As a beta reader I was sent a digital copy of the book for review purposes.
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